Throughout much of the early part of 2025, the Seattle Seahawks have looked like a team that could make some genuine noise in the postseason. They have had solid road wins against Pittsburgh and Arizona, and bullied a weaker Saints club the way a good team should.
But in their two losses, they showed that Mike Macdonald’s squad still has a way to go. The offense no-showed in Week 1of against the 49ers, and the defense was a huge disappointment last week against the Buccaneers. At the end of the season, the 12 might be seriously lamenting dropping a couple home games – one to a division rival and another to a conference foe.
But that’s for the future. Right now, Seattle is 3-2 and right in the thick of the NFC West. If the defense can get back a few of its injured players, the Hawks should remain competitive throughout the season. Those injuries are reflected in one of the quarter-season awards handed out below.
Seattle Seahawks' best performers after the first quarter of the season
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### Offensive Newcomer of the Year - Grey Zabel
Under almost any circumstances, this would be Sam Darnold's award. He has been exactly what John Schneider hoped he would be when he inked the journeyman to a three-year deal at the start of free agency. He leads the league in yards per pass attempt and is third in overall rating.
Still, I’m not giving it to Darnold because the last thing I saw him do before sitting down to write this was make his worst play of the year. His poor decision and poor throw at the end of last week’s Tampa game are the difference between 4-1 and 3-2.
Instead, I’m giving this award to [left guard Grey Zabel](https://12thmanrising.com/offensive-rookie-year-buzz-proves-seahawks-grey-zabel-another-level), the first-round draft pick who has come in a helped stabilize the shakiest part of the team from his very first day.
### Defensive Newcomer of the Year - Derion Kendrick
This is where the injuries have been costly. This should be either DeMarcus Lawrence or Nick Emmanwori, two big-time difference-makers on defense. Both have been hurt. Emmanwori has just returned, while Lawrence’s status remains unclear. But Schneider struck gold when he found Derion Kendrick on the scrap heap.
The fourth-year corner had been cut by the Rams, and Schneider pounced. It’s a good thing he did. Devon Witherspoon has been hurt, and Riq Woolen has been maddeningly unreliable. Shaq Griffin came and went quickly, leaving Josh Jobe as the only consistent presence at corner.
Kendrick has stepped in and played very well. His current Pro Football Focus (subscription required) grade places him as the tenth-best cornerback in the league this year.
### Coach of the Year - Jay Harbaugh
Last year, a writer on this site who looks a lot like me and sounds a lot like me predicted that first-year special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh might not survive the season. OK, it was me. I didn’t necessarily think the 35-year-old should be axed, but I thought he needed some help in the form of a co-coordinator.
It’s just possible I was wrong. Despite some out-of-character struggles from Jason Myers, Harbaugh’s units are performing far better in his second year. They are ranked fifth in kickoff coverage, which suddenly matters again.
They are second in kickoff returns. They are also second in punt returns and are one of just five teams that have blocked a punt this season. Things are looking up for the Seahawks' special teams.
### Defensive Player of the Year - Ernest Jones IV
Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love have missed time this year. The secondary, a presumed strength, has struggled. Fortunately, the men up front have remained sturdy. This award belongs to either Leonard Williams or Ernest Jones IV. I’m choosing the linebacker because he never comes off the field.
He is tied with Josh Jobe for the most defensive snaps this season (333), and he remains the heart and soul of the defense. The fact that he leads the team in tackles is just kind of par for the course. But the fact that Seattle ranks second in the entire NFL in rushing yards allowed and yards per rush offer far better proof of what Jones means to the team.
### Offensive Player of the Year - Kenneth Walker III
Those calls to have Zach Charbonnet assume the lead running back position have stopped. [Kenneth Walker III is back](https://12thmanrising.com/one-game-confirmed-everything-seattle-seahawks-fans-thought-kenneth-walker). Walker is the most explosive offensive player on the roster, and through five games in 2025, he has been their best player as well.
He is tenth in the league in rushing and leads all backs in runs of over 20 yards. Walker is a home run waiting to happen every time he touches the ball. Seattle’s offensive line is much improved from last season, and having a fast, decisive runner like Walker operating behind them makes their play look even better.
Can he remain healthy and keep it up? That is the question every Seahawks fan is asking. But for now, we can enjoy seeing Walker playing to his capacity.